As one of the world's largest solar research institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially equitable energy supply worldwide. Our goal is to advance the energy transition with concrete, implementable technological solutions – through excellent research results, successful industrial collaborations, and spin-offs. To this end, our approximately 1,300 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy use. Fraunhofer ISE's state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables cutting-edge research at an international level.
Be part of change
Would you like to actively shape the energy transition and gain practical experience even during your studies? With us, you’ll find the experts and the environment to turn these goals into reality.
You will support our group "III-V Cell and Module Characterization" in the characterization of so-called Photonic Power Converters (PPC). These special photovoltaic cells are used for laser-based optical energy transfer over fiber or in free space. At the same time, they can also be used for data transmission. With up to 2,600 times the bandwidth of conventional radio waves, they are a promising candidate for an energy-efficient high-performance architecture in the 6G network. At Fraunhofer ISE, a GaAs-based Photonic Power Converter has demonstrated a record efficiency of 68.9%.
In your work, you use a measurement setup based on several infrared laser light sources to characterize. A key part of your work is the metrology of tandem PPCs, which consist of vertically stacked subcells. The focus is on investigating optical coupling effects between subcells and their influence on current and voltage, as well as on the precise determination of the efficiency. You study these parameters as a function of external influences such as cell temperature, the spatial distribution of the incident power, and the measurement duration. In this way, you contribute to advancing the scientific understanding of such coupling effects in multi-junction solar cells and to building knowledge that can further increase the efficiencies of new solar cells. The work is part of a funded R&D project with the University of Cambridge (GreenCom). During the execution, you will be supported by scientists and technicians in a young and interdisciplinary team.
For our group "III-V Cell and Module Characterization", we are looking for a student for an optional (voluntary) internship or a mandatory internship, starting as soon as possible, for the following activities:
* You measure current-voltage characteristics of Photonic Power Converters under laser irradiation and determine their efficiency.
* You analyze optical coupling effects in different cell architectures (number of subcells, backside mirror).
* You integrate a monitor cell into the existing measurement setup to improve measurement quality.
* You integrate a 532-nm laser into the existing measurement setup to enable characterization of Photonic Power Converters for underwater applications.
* You evaluate optical and electrical measurements, document and present results, and discuss them in regular group meetings.
What you contribute
* You are studying microsystems technology, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a comparable field.
* You plan and carry out tasks independently and with high quality.
* Experience with and assembly of hardware components is advantageous.
* It is important to you to contribute to your team and to achieve goals together in interdisciplinary collaboration.
* You plan and carry out tasks independently and with high quality.
* You express your ideas clearly and listen to others attentively.
* You work autonomously and with commitment.
* Knowledge of LabVIEW is helpful but not essential; prior experience with text-based programming languages is helpful.
* You can express yourself confidently in German or in English.
What we offer
Exclusive insight: In collaboration with the scientists of our research group, you will gain insight into the daily life of research and development at a research institute.
Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE we work with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment so that research projects can be conducted at the cutting edge.
Research mix: You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, applying and expanding your knowledge from studies.
Supervision: You will be mentored by scientists in your work and will receive feedback on your progress.
Teamwork: Through interaction with scientific and student staff, you will gain experience working in a team and can contribute your own experiences.
Working hours and location: We offer flexible working hours in consultation to suit your needs and occasional remote work from home.
Equal opportunity: We value equal opportunities and provide room for diversity.
After Work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual staff celebrations.
For the internship, a stipend is paid. The weekly working time is 39 hours.
We value and promote the diversity of skills among our employees and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, ideology, disability, and sexualorientation and identity. Severely disabled persons will be given preference in case of equal qualification.
Ready for a change? Then apply now with your compelling application documents (including CV, cover letter, and references/performance records) and make a difference! After your online application is received, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment. We will get back to you as soon as possible to tell you how the process continues.
Questions about this position will gladly be answered by:
Richard Nacke
+49 157 33724465
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
www.ise.fraunhofer.de
Requisition Number: 83585 Application Deadline: